Herald-Advocate News

After discussions between Bennettsville City and Marlboro County administrators, both entities this week looked at the changes made to the annual agreement between Marlboro County Government and the City of Bennettsville for the exchange of services.Under the agreement, the county provides housing for inmates at the detention center and 911 dispatch services to the city. In return, the city provides fire services to an area outside the city limits, generally considered to be in a five-mile radius of the city.

Saturday evening the City of Bennettsville hosted its fourth annual fireworks show at Lake Paul Wallace. Prior to the show, people enjoyed playing in the lake and on the beach, while band Paperwork entertained the crowd with a concert. By the time the fireworks started, an estimated five thousand folks had packed the area around the beach with many more watching from other places around the lake.

Demolishing a dilapidated structure or clearing an overgrown lot is not an overnight process.It is a process that takes about six months to a year from the time a property is identified to demolition.Holly Swann, planning and zoning manager for the city of Bennettsville, said about 80 properties have been identified throughout the city. She also has a list of about 25, which need to have asbestos inspections done.

The City of Bennettsville Recreation Department will host its fourth annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show this Saturday at Lake Paul Wallace. The people of Marlboro County and their guests are invited to a day of free fun and entertainment on the beach area of the lake.

Officials with Hi-lites, a ladies' clothing store, announced Wednesday that it will close after more than 25 years in Bennettsville.Todd Griffin, who works with the company's corporate office and helped to open the store originally, said the closing is due to economics and lack of sales at the location.He added a final closing date has not been determined."But the store will be opened for a few more weeks," Griffin said. "The entire store is on sale. We appreciate the many, many loyal customers we have had."